autoPack positions 3D geometries into, onto, and around volumes with minimal to zero overlap. autoPack mixes several packing approaches and procedural growth algorithms. autoPack can thus place objects with forces and constraints to allow a high degree of control ranging from completely random distributions to highly ordered structures.

cellPack is a specialization of autoPack that generates probabilistic 3D models of large sections of cells that can contain dozens to trillions+ of molecules. It can position these molecules to recapitulate observed data where available and can further optimize the molecular interactions on a local level as each molecule is placed into a mesoscale model.

If you have experience with 3D software on a Windows operating system, especially with C4D, this entire installation should take less than 3 minutes on a Mac and less than 10 minutes on Windows.

If you encounter difficulties, please visit the forum to search for answers or ask questions.

We ask that you fill out the optional survey to help us improve the installation procedure.

You'll see the Preferences window now open on your desktop with a name similar to (depending on your version of Windows):C:\Documents and Setting\$username\Application Data\MAXON\CINEMA4D R12\pluginsor C:/Users//AppData/Roaming/MAXON/CINEMA 4D R1<x>_/plugins/

and paste into C:\Program Files\MAXOB\CINEMA 4D R13\resource\modules\python\res\Python.win64.framework\The new versions of the python26.dll files should sit next to the .old versions of the files(this will overwrite the python26.dll files if you didn't follow step 4 by setting the original folders to .old)

Windows Cinema 4D r12:

If you had a previous of installation of epmv working for r12, you don't need to repeat the steps below- skip to the Restart Cinema4D step

rename Python.win32.framework to Python.win32.framework.old (This allows you to revert in case there are problems)

rename Python.win64.framework to Python.win64.framework.old

Copy the downloaded folders:

Python.win32.framework

Python.win64.framework

from your downloaded resources\module\python\res\ folder into the Cinema4D program folder,e.g. C:\Program Files\MAXON\CINEMA 4D\resource\modules\python\res\The new versions of the Python framework folders should sit next to the .old versions of the folders(this will overwrite the python framework if you didn't follow step 4 by setting the original folders to .old)

Option 2: One-step Installer Only for R14–15... you should be using Cinema4D R16 instead!

The installer will ask you for the User preferences folder containing the plugin folder- Paste the path you copied in Step I.

To run this Java installer in Windows 8, when the Java warning box pops up you must click "more info" and then [Run Anyway].

Restart Cinema 4D

Launch ePMV, test it, then launch autoPACK and test it as described below

You'll find the ePMV plugin under:

r12: C4Dmenu: Python->Plugins

r13-16: C4Dmenu: Plugins

You should add buttons to your startup palette:

C4D menu: Window>Customize>CustomizePalettes:

In the Customize Commands window type ePMV or auto in the Filter to find the apps then drag and drop each icon where you'd like it.

C4D menu: Window>Customize>SaveAsStartupLayout

Complete basic tutorials for ePMV and autoPack

If you are new to ePMV or new to molecular graphics, please complete the Basics Tutorial/Survey hybrid. This will guide you through all of the common functions/buttons of the ePMV GUI and simultaneously introduces you to the science and the data types ePMV can work with.

This alpha version of autoPack will improve several times each week and the tutorials will expand

For now, follow the first steps and then the basic tutorials then experiment on your own. If you find a bug, check the forum to see if its already been fixed, and if not, let us know.

Cinema 4D specific tutorials for autoPACK will be posted by January 5, 2013.

We just discovered that there is a python path conflict caused if you install SciViz (Python engine for 3D Studio Max) from Autodesk on the same Windows computer with Maya. This will soon be fixed by Autodesk, but in the meantime, it is possible to run both programs simultaneously by following this protocol:

Leave the PYTHONPATH Environment Variable that gets written by either SciViz or uPy's .msi as PYTHONPATHBoth installers create this path redundantly

Start Max (you don't need to start the plugins)

After Max is running, change PYTHONPATH to PYTHONPATHmax so it becomes invisible to both Max and Maya

you can access the Python Path Environment Variable at ControlPanel>SecurityAndSystem>System>SystemProperties>Advanced>EnvironmentVariable

Start Maya

Anytime you start Maya, PYTHONPATH must be hidden as something like PYTHONPATHanything

Anytime you start Max or Cinema 4D on Windows, you need PYTHONPATH to be just plane PYTHONPATH